Skycraft Scout Ultralight aircraft
With the shock closure of the Pioneer Museum due to structural safety concerns, the incredible collection of treasures it houses is now locked away and out of sight.
To keep the collection alive until an alternative home can be found, the Yarrawonga Chronicle will highlight some of the items visitors to the museum have marvelled over for many years.
During a Lake Mulwala cruise on P.S. Cumberoona, skipper Robbie Knowles always mentions the outstanding collection in the Pioneer Museum, as his vessel nears the Ski Club.
Robbie and his staff were visibly shaken when informed of the impending closure of the Museum.
And he always notes the Skycraft Scout Ultralight, …. high above the other stationary exhibits.
This model, from 1977, serial No 57, originally cost $1,720.
Its maximum speed was 36 knots, its stall speed 32km/hr.
This aircraft was designed by Ron Wheeler of Sydney and first flew in May 1974.
Production began in 1976 and the Skycraft Scout became one of the first commercially available ultralights in Australia.
Only about 40 were ever made, hence its status as an extremely rare example in this chapter of aviation history.
The Scout was designed along minimalist and innovative lines, aiming to be affordable and accessible to recreational pilots. Very few are airworthy today.
Alex Sloane